SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A Seminole County pastor was arrested Thursday on felony charges of not reporting suspected child abuse.
Cesar Chin leads a small Spanish congregation that rents space at a Winter Springs church.
According to investigators, Chin, 65, knew one of his members, Normail Reynoso was allegedly molesting three young children, but he did not tell investigators right away.
Roger Diaz, a friend of Chins, said he talk Chin into reporting the allegations.
"The right thing to do is to confess and repent, and in the case of breaking the law, submit yourself to the law of the land," said Diaz. "I knew the only thing that could be done is to have it reported, have the person arrested and have the family healed."
Reynoso's partner, Irma Gallegos, was also arrested, accused of not reporting the allegations to law enforcement agencies. Investigators said she suggested Reynoso talk to Chin about the allegations.
The arrested report said the alleged sexual abuse had gone on for seven years.
"Why do you think they wanted to cover it up?" Barber asked Diaz.
"I think they made a mistake," he said.
WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer said Florida law is strict when it comes to reporting child abuse.
Reynoso was arrested and charged with several counts, including sex assault on a minor, and lewd and lascivious behavior on a minor. Gallegos was arrested on neglect and obstructing justice charges.
Chin has bonded out of jail, but Reynoso and Gallegos are being held without bond.
WFTV